What Are Some Bland Diet Foods?

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Quick Answer

Some foods to eat on a bland diet include canned fruits, white bread, fruit and vegetable juices, and lean tender meats, according to MedlinePlus. When on a bland diet, avoid spicy foods, raw fruits and vegetables, and high-fat foods. Foods should be soft and low in fiber.

Doctors prescribe a bland diet for patients with conditions like ulcers, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, reports MedlinePlus. They sometimes prescribe this type of diet after stomach or intestinal surgery or for patients that have issues with gas. The doctor should also tell the patient when to begin adding other foods back into his diet. A dietitian can help the patient determine healthy foods to add back to his diet without causing more problems.

When someone is on a bland diet, there are a number of rules that should be followed, advises MedlinePlus. For instance, it is important to eat small meals throughout the day instead of only a few large meals. It is also important to eat food slowly and chew it well before swallowing.

It is also beneficial for those on a bland diet to stop smoking, according to MedlinePlus. People on a bland diet should also not eat food a minimum of two hours before bedtime. Drinking slowly is also important when on a bland diet as is avoiding certain foods such as fatty dairy, raw vegetables and fruit, whole-grain bread and cereals, spices and fried food. Medications that contain ibuprofen or aspirin should also be avoided when on a bland diet. Those on a bland diet are advised to not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages, and other foods should not be introduced into the diet until a doctor gives permission.